Are Pitbulls Naturally Muscular? Quick Tips to Make Your Pitbull More Muscular
Pit Bulls are often considered one of the most athletic and active dog breeds, known for their agility, strength, and stamina, as dogs were originally bred for bull-baiting and dog fighting.
But, are Pitbulls naturally muscular, or does this depend on their upbringing and training?
Pit Bulls tend to be naturally muscular and lean; however, their ability to put on muscle easily might vary from one dog to another, depending on the dog’s genetics and breeding. The Pit Bull’s muscle growth will also depend on the amount of exercise it’s getting, its diet, and overall health.
Keep reading to learn more about the main Pit Bull breeds, the factors that affect their muscle growth, and how to make them more muscular.
The Main Pit Bull Breeds

Pit Bull is a general term used to refer to several dog breeds, including the American Pitbull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the American Bully.
The American Pit Bull Terrier is the most commonly associated breed with the term Pit Bull; however, all breeds are highly similar when it comes to physical appearances, as they all share a big square-shaped head, a fleshy nose, and almond-shaped eyes.
They are also all athletic with similar muscular builds. However, this can vary from one dog to another as some dogs can appear more athletic than others, with some of them being squatter and bulkier in build while others are taller and leaner.
When it comes to their temperament, Pit Bull breeds will be ideally affectionate and obedient as long as they receive proper training and socialization.
Pit Bulls were formerly bred and trained to be aggressive and fight with other animals; however, that does not mean they are inherently aggressive. They can be territorial and protective, which might cause them to become aggressive or attack if they sense a threat or a stranger coming near their territory and family.
When Do Pit Bulls Start Growing Muscles?

Pit Bulls will typically start growing muscles at around 6 to 8 months old, and they will become fully grown when they’re at about 1 or 2 years of age. However, their growth rate and ability to put on muscle mass might vary depending on their genetics as well as other factors.
At full growth, the average male Pit Bull should weigh between 35 and 60 pounds and stand at 18 to 21 inches when measured from the floor to the shoulders, while the average female Pit Bull will be slightly smaller, weighing closer to 30 to 50 pounds and standing at 17 to 20 inches at the shoulders.
The Factors That Affect The Pit Bull’s Muscle Growth
There are a few key factors that will affect your Pit Bull’s muscle growth and how easily they put on muscle mass.
- Genetics: Pit bulls are naturally muscular dogs, but the extent of their muscularity can vary based on their genetic makeup. Some Pit Bulls may have a more muscular physique than others, which is determined by their genes.
- Diet: A balanced diet that provides the necessary nutrients for muscle growth is crucial for Pit Bulls. High-quality protein, carbohydrates, and essential fatty acids are necessary for building and maintaining muscle mass.
- Exercise: Regular exercise is essential for Pit Bulls to maintain their muscle mass and overall fitness. Engaging in activities such as running, jumping, and weightlifting can help promote muscle growth and improve athletic performance.
- Health: The overall health of Pit Bulls can impact their muscle growth. Certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, can lead to muscle loss, while others, like steroid use, can promote muscle growth.
It’s important to note that Pit Bulls can have a wide range of body types and that each individual dog’s muscle growth can be influenced by a combination of these factors.
How to Make Your Pit Bull More Muscular?

As mentioned before, the Pit Bull’s breeding makes it naturally predisposed to put on muscle mass, so it doesn’t take a lot of effort to make them more muscular. All you need to do is establish a good routine to keep your dog healthy and active, as well as remain consistent.
Now let’s take a closer look at the kind of routine you need to establish for your dog to make it more muscular:
Establish an Exercise Routine
Pit Bulls have high energy levels, and they enjoy being active, so you won’t have too much of a problem encouraging exercise.
The best kind of exercise you can do regularly with your Pit Bull is taking it on daily walks. It’s recommended to walk your dog at least half a mile per day and build up their stamina over time by increasing the length of the walks.
Some trainers also recommend incorporating a weight-pulling exercise in the routine where your Pit Bull wears a harness and drags small weights for short distances.
Check out this video to learn more about training your Pit Bull to pull weights.
Keep in mind that you should avoid placing your Pit Bull under an intense exercise routine during the early stages of its life as this could hinder the development of its body, causing various conditions such as disproportionate muscle growth, weak bones and joints, and hip displacement.
Establish a Protein-Based Diet
You need to make sure your Pit Bull consumes a diet that contains all kinds of nutrients it needs for development, but most of all, protein.
It’s recommended to rely mainly on lean meat options such as pork, beef, chicken, and eggs, as this will help your Pit Bull develop not only a more muscular frame but smooth muscle tissue as well. Check out my recommendations for the best foods for Pit Bulls that promote muscle growth.
Keep in mind that the average active Pit Bull should consume around 922 to 1,740 calories in a day; however, you can adjust the number of calories according to your dog’s age and activity level.
Remain Consistent
Consistency is key when it comes to building muscle mass. Regular exercise and a balanced diet for your Pit Bull must be maintained over time for the best results.
Remember, each dog is unique and may have different exercise and dietary needs, so it’s important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the right plan for your Pit Bull.
With consistency and the right combination of diet, exercise, and weight training, your Pit Bull Bull can become a more muscular and athletic animal.
PitbullsHome Personally-Tested Picks for Pitties:
- The Best foods for Pit Bull Puppies that are nutritious and delicious – Help them grow stronger without declaring bankruptcy 😉
- Training or entertaining? These treats for Pit Bulls are simply the best (with options for dogs with sensitive stomachs)
- According to my vet, these are the best foods for Pit Bulls with Skin Allergies.
- The Best Collars for Pitbulls (comfortable and dependable)
- The Best Pit Bull Leashes (Durable and Worth Every Penny)
- The Best Crates for Pitbulls (Affordable options for even the stronger Pitties)
- Best Muzzles for Pitbulls (Comfortable and Safe Muzzles)
- The Best Shampoos for Pitbulls (including shampoos for sensitive skin)
- The Best Chew Toys for Pit Bulls (That will actually stand their teeth)
- The Best Brushes for Pit Bulls (For amazing coats with the least grooming effort)
- The Most indestructible and comfiest Beds for Pit Bulls (That they will actually like and use)
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